Construction laws should be enforced

Dear Editor: When I moved here, the schools, activities, and opportunities excited me. However when looking for a home in Northport, I was shocked at the poor construction in many new neighborhoods.

The last election made clear this was not because the laws didn't exist. Rather, it's because the laws weren't enforced.

The new council and planning and zoning commission have made it clear they intend to enforce these laws even though one contractor protested in recent meeting that "we haven't had to follow these for over 20 years!"

I am glad to see responsible individuals look out for the public interest above their own or those of their cronies.

This is a positive step to protect homeowners from faulty home construction. More importantly, it protects every taxpayer from costs that come from slapdash building, often on swampy ground, that results in flooding, decaying roads, and rundown homes. Though some contractors walked away with fatter wallets, taxpayers have been saddled with the cost of cleaning up these messes.

The laws need to be enforced no matter how much it makes fat cat contractors and their toadies howl.

In the long run, it helps save us all money while continuing to make Northport a better place. I'm glad to have a city council and planning and zoning commission that take the laws seriously for a change.

My compliments to Lorenzo Freeman, Harvey Fretwell, John Myers, Steve Webb and others who want to build a better future for all versus private bankrolls for themselves.